Composite Fillings vs. Amalgams: The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

For more than 150 years, tooth decay and other types of dental damage were treated with an amalgam of metals, including silver, mercury, copper, tin, and other trace elements. While these types of fillings, commonly called amalgams, were sufficient for restoring damaged teeth, they came with a number of drawbacks. Today, composite resin fillings (often called white fillings or tooth-colored fillings) are the preferred restorative method for teeth that have succumbed to cavities, minor cracks, and injury. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Stephanie Santos and Dr. Vinita Folck offer a variety of natural-looking, long-lasting restorative dentistry options, including tooth-colored fillings.

Why Choose Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings have rapidly become the restoration method preferred by both patients and dentists for a variety of reasons. One of the most obvious is their aesthetic appeal and their ability to blend seamlessly with the enamel of a patient’s natural dentition. While amalgam fillings are dark and shiny, composite resin fillings are carefully color-matched to the surrounding tooth structure. The result is a beautifully restored smile that looks completely natural.

The benefits of tooth-colored fillings extend far beyond their cosmetic appeal. While the metals in amalgam fillings cause them to adversely react to extreme temperatures, composite resins maintain their original shape and size for improved stability over time. You don’t have to worry about the strength of the seals between your fillings and your teeth, and there’s no risk of leaking or microfractures as there can be with amalgams. In addition, tooth-colored fillings are more conservative than their metal counterparts. This means that less of your natural tooth must be removed in preparation for a tooth-colored filling as compared to a metal filling. As with all of our cosmetic and restorative services, we will do everything we can to preserve as much of your natural smile as possible while offering the most effective treatments available.

A Healthier, More Natural Smile

If you currently have amalgam fillings and you’re interested in the possibilities afforded by composite resin fillings, we invite you to contact us today to schedule an appointment with Drs. Folck and Santos at Smile by Design. Our advanced technology, comforting amenities, and years of experience have made our practice the premier destination for dental care in Virginia Beach, VA. We look forward to helping you and every member of your family achieve lasting oral health and beautiful smiles for life. Our warm, welcoming dental office proudly serves families from throughout Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Fort Story, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and beyond. 

What is Halitosis? Bad Breath Treatment in Virginia Beach, VA

More commonly known as bad breath, halitosis is a condition that affects approximately 80 million people on a daily basis. Sufferers of chronic halitosis find that their condition negatively impacts their daily lives, leading to embarrassing social interactions and extreme self-consciousness. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck offer a comprehensive range of general and family dentistry services, including diagnosis and management of chronic bad breath.

Causes and Treatment for Bad Breath

While nearly everyone experiences bad breath after consuming certain foods – including onions, garlic, and dairy products – chronic halitosis is caused by accumulation of volatile sulfur compounds, or VSCs, on the tongue near the back of the mouth. These compounds are the result of countless bacteria in the mouth and can often be difficult to eliminate with regular home hygiene. If periodontal disease (a common cause of bad breath) is present, the infection must be treated in order to prevent further gum damage. Our doctors offer customized periodontal therapy treatment plans to help patients suffering from this common condition, thereby improving their oral health and stopping halitosis in its tracks.

Chronic halitosis is most effectively treated at your dentist’s office, but there are some things you can do at home until you are able to schedule an appointment at Smile by Design. Brush and floss at least twice per day, and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash each time. Use a tongue scraper to remove as much bacterial buildup as possible, and try to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Sugar-free gums and mints can help to alleviate bad breath following snacks and meals. Drs. Santos and Folck are happy to discuss your concerns and expectations regarding treatment so that we can develop a plan that best suits your needs and lifestyle.

Schedule Your Visit Today

Don’t spend even one more day worrying that your persistent bad breath is noticeable or offensive to others. Contact our office in Virginia Beach, VA today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Folck, Dr. Santos, and our friendly, experience team. Our state-of-the-art technology and genuinely caring approach make our practice your premier destination for general and family dentistry solutions in the Virginia Beach area. We are also happy to serve communities in the surrounding areas of Portsmouth, Sandbridge, Norfolk, Fort Story, and beyond. We look forward to becoming your trusted partners in your journey toward fresher breath and a healthier smile overall. 

Don’t Let Toothache Pain Ruin Your Holidays: Get Root Canal Therapy at Smile By Design Today

With all of the cooking, shopping, decorating, and traveling you have to do this holiday season, the last thing you’ll want to deal with is a toothache. Pain and soreness from a toothache can be so intense; it can literally render you helpless. That’s why it’s so important to see a dentist to get a sore or sensitive tooth treated, before the pain and discomfort have a chance to ruin your holidays. Make an appointment with the gentle and caring dentists at Smile By Design today. Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck can get you immediate pain and sensitivity relief with root canal therapy. Smile By Design provides root canal therapy to patients throughout Virginia Beach, VA, Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth, Fort Story, and nearby communities.

What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?

·         The dentist will complete the anesthesia, so all pain is blocked

·         The infected tooth will be isolated with a rubber dam

·         An access whole will be drilled into the core of the tooth

·         The root canal will be cleaned out and shaped

·         The dentist will fill the root canal with gutta-percha and use a dental sealer to cover the whole

·         A temporary or permanent crown will be placed

Will Root Canal Therapy Hurt?

No. The compassionate and gentle dentists at Smile By Design take every precaution to ensure that you are completely calm and comfortable during the entire procedure. They will also insure that the infected tooth and surrounding tissues are completely numbed before beginning the root canal therapy. Besides, the intense pain of a toothache far exceeds any sensitivity you might experience during a standard root canal therapy procedure.

Root Canal Therapy Appointments in Virginia Beach, VA

If you are muddling through toothaches, you’ve already waited too long to see a dentist. Not only can Smile By Design relive your pain, the root canal therapy they provide can also save your natural tooth from falling out, or needing to be extracted. To protect your teeth and your sanity this holiday season, make an appointment with the experienced restorative dentists at Smile By Design today. Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck can complete your root canal therapy quickly and efficiently. Smile By Design is conveniently located in Virginia Beach, VA with comprehensive dental services to patients throughout Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth, Fort Story, and surrounding areas.

No Long Waiting Periods with CEREC One Visit Crowns

If you have ever needed car repairs, you know that the process can be daunting. You have to drop your car off at the repair shop, get a rental car, and then wait several days (or even weeks) to get your car back. This is because the repair shop has to order special parts, wait for their delivery, and then begin working on your car. It’s all a big hassle. The same is true for traditional dental crown procedures. In the past, if you needed a dental crown, your dentist had to first take impressions of your teeth, construct and place a temporary crown, then wait two weeks for the crown to be constructed by a dental lab. After this long waiting period, your dental crown could finally be placed. Not anymore! With the new CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic) one visit crowns, there’s no long waiting period for your permanent restoration. You can be in and out with your brand new crown in one short visit. If you need a damaged or compromised tooth crowned, make an appointment with the experienced restorative dentists at Smile By Design today. Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck can restore your teeth quickly and efficiently using the new CEREC crowns technology. Smile By Design is conveniently located in Virginia Beach, VA and proudly serves patients throughout Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth, Fort Story and surrounding communities.

You may need a CEREC crown to repair:

·         large cavities

·         disfiguring chips or cracks

·         broken teeth 

·         misshapen teeth

The CEREC crown procedure is a simple six step process. Your dentist will:

·         Cover the tooth with non-toxic powder and take digital pictures

·         Using 3-D CEREC technology, the restoration is designed 

·         This detailed information is sent digitally to the CEREC milling unit

·         The personalized porcelain crown is fabricated right in your dentist's office

·         The new crown is polished and placed

·         The crown is permanently bonded to your tooth

The benefits of CEREC Crowns include:

·         No fabrication waiting period

·         Prepping, fitting, and placing all in one visit

·         No temporary crown that falls off or is sensitive

·         You receive your final crown in one visit

·         You get a more accurate scanned impression

·         Your dentist can make any necessary changes immediately

Repair Your Teeth with CEREC Crowns in Virginia Beach, VA

We use technological advancements to make our lives simpler and easier every day. This principle should also be true of our dental care. CEREC crowns make dental crown procedures faster and less complicated for dentists and  patients. That means that your dentist has more time to focus on giving you the best possible care. Make an appointment with the highly qualified cosmetic and restorative dentists at Smile By Design today. Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck restore smiles daily throughout Virginia Beach, VA, Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth, Fort Story, and nearby areas.

Porcelain Veneers from Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA

When you see your smile in the mirror or in a photograph, do you see the smile you want or do you see the smile you’ve simply settled for? Perhaps your smile is marred by slightly flawed teeth. Whatever the reason, you don’t have to settle anymore. With porcelain veneers, Dr. Stephanie Santos and Dr. Vinita Folck, the dentists at Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA, can give you the smile you’ve always wanted.

The concerns that porcelain veneers can remedy cover a broad range. For example, maybe you are bothered by a tooth that is chipped, cracked or broken. Whether by injury or normal wear and tear, porcelain veneers can repair these cosmetic worries. Likewise, if you have teeth that are discolored or stained, veneers can help restore your smile to its natural whiteness. Gaps and uneven spacing between teeth, slightly crooked or rotated teeth, and even the shape and length of teeth can all be corrected with the aid of porcelain veneers.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are micro-thin shells of dental porcelain that are bonded to the surface of your teeth to repair or enhance your smile. When you come to Smile by Design, we will need to take impressions and photos of your teeth in order for the dental lab to fabricate your custom-made porcelain veneers.

But that’s not all we do to make sure your new smile is just right for you. We also take into consideration your facial features, hair color and eye color. Your veneers need to fit you, not just your smile. When your porcelain veneers arrive from the lab, one of our dentists will make sure they are a perfect fit for you and then use dental cement to bond the veneers to your teeth. With a little gentle loving care, your new veneers will give you years of smiling satisfaction.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you are ready to discuss what porcelain veneers can do for you and your smile, then call the office of Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA, to schedule a consultation. We will be glad to see you. Our office also serves patients in Sandbridge, Norfolk, Fort Story and Portsmouth.

Kids, Candy and Cavities: The Case for Children’s Dentistry

For kids, Halloween is nothing but fun. Costumes, candy, games and parties. For parents and the other people who care about kids, Halloween can raise a few concerns. Of course, you take every precaution to make sure your children are safe on that night of trick-or-treating. But how about protecting their teeth? This is the perfect time of year to be mindful of your children’s oral health. Dr. Stephanie Santos and Dr. Vinita Folck at Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA, make children’s dentistry an integral part of their family practice.

Children’s Dentistry: A Partnership among Dentists, Parents and Kids

At home, you know what you should do to help your children build a foundation of good oral health. Brush and floss at least twice a day, usually in the morning and at night. This practice should begin as soon as that first little white tooth shows up in your baby’s gum. Just take a soft washcloth or gauze pad and wipe the tooth with warm water after feeding. As more teeth grow, you’ll want to use a soft child’s toothbrush and pea-size amount of toothpaste. Help your children brush their teeth until the age of seven or eight, when they have the coordination to do so themselves.

That foundation for good oral health continues when you bring your children to Smile by Design. Your child’s first visit to the dentist should happen between the ages of two and three, or certainly earlier if you suspect a problem. Our dentists and their staff will do their best to make sure your child’s time in the office is relaxed and inviting. Then, as they grow and mature, they will be comfortable with routine dental procedures such as cleanings, fluoride treatments and the occasional x-ray. We recommend bringing your children to the dentist twice per year, so that we can spot concerns before they become problems.

Contact Our Office Today

Keep your little ghosts and goblins smiling brightly with children’s dentistry at Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA. Schedule an appointment today. We conveniently serves patients in the surrounding communities of Fort Story, Portsmouth, Sandbridge and Norfolk. 

What To Do When Canker Sores Won’t Go Away

A canker sore is a small, painful, shallow ulcer that appears inside the mouth; they may form on the tongue, the back portion of the roof of your mouth, or inside your cheeks.  The exact cause of most canker sores is still unknown, although stress or tissue injury is thought to be the cause of most simple canker sores. Highly acidic foods can also trigger a canker sore or make the problem worse. Some cases of complex canker sores are caused by an underlying health condition, such as an impaired immune system or nutritional deficiencies involving vitamin B-12, zinc, folic acid, or iron. Other medical conditions like gastrointestinal tract disease, celiac disease, or Crohn's disease could also be the culprit. If you have a canker sore that has lasted more than a week or two, you should make an appointment with the dentists at Smile By Design today. Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck can help you get immediate treatment and relief. Smile By Design is conveniently located in Virginia Beach, VA and proudly serves patients throughout Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth, Fort Story and surrounding communities.

Types of Canker Sores

There are two types of canker sores. The first type is the simple canker sore. These may appear sporadically three or four times per year and last for up to a week. They typically afflict young people between the ages of 10 and 20 years old. The second type is the complex canker sore. Complex canker sores are larger than simple canker sores, extremely painful, take more than a month to heal and can possibly leave a scar. They are less common and occur more often in people who have a long history of simple canker sores. People often confuse canker sores with cold sores but they are not the same. Cold sores, also known as fever blisters or herpes simplex type 1, are groups of painful, fluid-filled blisters. Unlike canker sores, cold sores are caused by a virus and are extremely contagious. While canker sores only appear inside the mouth, cold sores typically appear outside the mouth, under the nose, around the lips, or under the chin.

Treatment for Canker Sores in Virginia Beach, VA

Usually, the pain from a canker sore lessens in a few days, and the sores heal themselves without treatment in about a week or two. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should make an appointment with the experienced dentists of Smile By Design immediately as these may be signs of a more serious medical condition:

·         Unusually large sores

·         Sores that are spreading throughout your mouth

·         Sores that last three weeks or longer

·         Intense pain despite avoiding acidic foods and taking pain medication

·         Difficulty drinking enough fluids

·         High fever accompanying the canker sores

Smile By Design is located in Virginia Beach, VA, with service to patients from the nearby communities of Norfolk, Sandbridge, Portsmouth and Fort Story.